How to identify your skin type

Level: Beginner

My skin type: balanced/ dry in winter

Understanding your skin type is essential for choosing the right skincare products and developing an effective skincare routine. Here are some steps to help you determine your skin type:

1. Cleanse your face: Start with a clean face. Use a gentle cleanser to remove any makeup, dirt, or impurities.

2. Wait for one hour: Let your skin rest for about an hour without applying any skincare products. This allows your skin to return to its natural state without any external influences.

3. Observe your skin: After an hour, observe how your skin feels and looks. Pay attention to the following characteristics:

   • Dryness/Oiliness: Check if your skin feels dry, tight, and flaky, or if it appears shiny or greasy.

   • Texture: Assess the texture of your skin. Does it feel rough and bumpy, or smooth and soft?

   • Pores: Look at the size of your pores. Are they large and visible, or small and hardly noticeable?

   • Sensitivity: Notice if your skin reacts to certain products or environmental factors

Balanced:

Balanced skin is characterized by an even complexion, relatively small pores, and minimal blemishes or breakouts. Moisture retains well without being overly greasy. Additionally, balanced skin tends to have a healthy glow and is less prone to sensitivity or irritation.

Oily:

The skin produces excess sebum leading to oily skin, shiny appearance, enlarged pores, and acne. Oily skin is prone to blackheads and whiteheads. It feels greasy, especially in the T-zone (forehead, nose, and chin). However, oily skin has its benefits, as it tends to be more resilient and less prone to fine lines and wrinkles compared to dry skin.
Managing oily skin involves using products to control oil production, such as salicylic acid cleansers, oil-free moisturisers, and non-comedogenic makeup. Consistent skincare and avoiding harsh products help maintain balanced, healthy skin.

Dry:

Having dry skin means the skin lacks moisture, leading to symptoms like tightness, flakiness, and dullness. Factors like genetics, environment, and lifestyle contribute to dry skin. To alleviate it, use gentle cleansers, hydrating moisturizers, and products with ingredients like hyaluronic acid. Avoid hot water and harsh cleansers.
Managing combination skin involves using a skincare routine that addresses the needs of both oily and dry areas.

Combination:

Different areas of the face exhibit different skin types, typically with some areas being oily while others are dry or normal. Commonly, the T-zone (forehead, nose, and chin) tends to be oily, while the cheeks may be balanced or dry.

Sensitive:

The skin is more prone to reactions or irritation in response to various factors, such as skincare products, environmental conditions, or certain ingredients. 
Characteristics of sensitive skin include: redness, irritation, dryness or flakiness, breakouts, stinging or burning.

Actionable next steps:

Go and have a look at products available in your chosen skin type. Explore what ingredients they use the most/least. This will help identify how to form your routine.

Ready to put a routine together? Check out the beginner guide here.